HHN International Staff Weeks 2026
The Hochschule Heilbronn will host its first International Staff Weeks from 1st - 6th November 2026:
"Exchange. Learn. Grow. - in Europe's leading capital for AI" is the first major event as part of the project GROWTH, which is funded by the DAAD HAW International programme.
Join higher education professionals from around the world for Heilbronn University's first-ever International Staff Week in Heilbronn – Europe's emerging capital for Artificial Intelligence. Experience six days of collaboration, innovation, networking, and international exchange with colleagues and industry professionals.
Registration HHN International Staff Weeks 2026
"Exchange. Learn. Grow." in Europe's leading capital for AI, Nov 1st-6th 2026
Important registration information:
When registering, participants must select one of the three Staff Week tracks. Each week is limited up to 20 participants, ensuring an interactive, engaging, and high-quality experience.
Deadline for registration:
1st October 2026
Three Staff Weeks - One International Experience
Together with our valued partner institutions - ASE (Bucharest, Romania), GIU (Cairo, Egypt), MRU (Alberta, Canada), RTU (Riga, Latvia), and VGU (Ho-Chi-Minh-City, Vietnam) - Heilbronn University (HHN) is proud to host its very first International Staff Weeks "Exchange. Learn. Grow. - in Europe's leading capital for AI". We look forward to welcoming participants from across the world for six unforgettable days of learning, networking, and cultural discovery. Beyond our partner institutions, we warmly invite international higher education institutions to share their perspectives on internationalization, contribute their expertise and best practices, and join us in shaping future global collaborations.
Participants can choose from one of three specialized Staff Weeks below, each designed to inspire fresh perspectives and foster international collaboration:
Shaping International Career Perspectives connecting Higher education & Industry
With: Dr. Daniele Nuccetelli
- Best practices in Career Services and international career development
- Global labour market trends, employability and industry connections
- AI, digital tools and student engagement in career guidance
- Networking and exchange with international higher education partners and industry
- Building sustainable partnerships to support student success and global careers
The Power of Diversity & why students and staff need to know about it
With: Birgit Hermann, Maren Haag, Melanie Mueller-Mugele
- Understanding diversity in an international higher education context
- Recognising bias, microaggressions and fostering inclusive environments
- Creating safe and brave spaces for students and staff
- Developing practical strategies for equality, diversity and inclusion
- Collaborative exchange, reflection and creative action for lasting impact
How E-Learning Units & Digital Tools Support Internationalisation in Higher education
With: Prof. Dr. Mahsa Fischer, David Flaig, Hanna Lea Voelzke
- Design Thinking for digital learning and innovation in higher education
- Exploring digital tools and e-learning solutions for teaching and student support
- User-centred development using research, personas and problem-solving methods
- Collaborative prototyping and feedback with international peers and industry partners
Event Highlight: Connect - Coffee & Careers
As part of the staff weeks, this public networking event will bring together Staff Week participants, HHN staff, students, industry leaders, and international partners to discuss the future of higher education, employability, innovation, and artificial intelligence.
Designed as a vibrant networking opportunity and platform for dialogue and collaboration, the event creates opportunities for academia and industry to exchange perspectives, build new partnerships, and explore future-oriented solutions for an increasingly global and technology-driven world.
Connect - Coffee & Careers
Wednesday, 4 November 2026 , 1:00 pm, Location: Tba
- Global Networking & Partnerships
Meaningful networking opportunities with leading regional and international companies, innovation partners, and organizations such as Schwarz Group, ebm-papst, and others - International Academic Perspectives
Inspiring insights, best practices, and perspectives from our international partner universities and higher education institutions worldwide - AI, Innovation & Future Skills
Keynotes, panel discussions, pitches, and interactive formats focusing on Artificial Intelligence (AI), emerging technologies, future careers, employability, and future skills - The Impact of AI on Society and Work
Dynamic discussions on the impact of AI on education, work, innovation, and global talent development - Interactive Exchange & Collaboration
Interactive networking and exchange formats that connect academia, industry, and international partners around AI-driven transformation and innovation - International Cooperation Opportunities
New opportunities for international cooperation and collaboration across higher education, industry, and AI-powered innovation ecosystems
Discover Heilbronn & Beyond: A Rising Capital for AI and Innovation
Heilbronn is a vibrant city in the south of Germany, located between Stuttgart and Heidelberg in the state of Baden-Württemberg. Situated on the River Neckar, it is known for its wine-growing tradition, innovative business environment, and growing focus on science and education.
As one of Germany’s most ambitious AI locations, Heilbronn offers a unique opportunity to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming education, research, industry, and international collaboration. Experience first-hand how the region is building a thriving AI ecosystem and creating new opportunities for innovation, talent development, and international partnerships.
Beyond the thematic sessions, staff weeks participants will connect through company visits, networking activities, cultural excursions, and social events. This shared programme fosters interdisciplinary exchange, meaningful connections, and lasting international collaborations—while offering the chance to discover the Heilbronn region and create unforgettable memories.
Our cultural activities include the following excursions:
1. Visit to IPAI – Innovation Park Artificial Intelligence
Explore one of Europe’s most ambitious AI initiatives and gain insights into how Heilbronn is shaping the future of artificial intelligence through collaboration between academia, industry, startups, and public institutions
2. Discover Heilbronn: Tradition Meets Innovation
Join tours through Heilbronn’s historic city centre and emerging innovation districts, and learn how the region is transforming into a leading hub for education, technology, and entrepreneurship.
3. Traditional Swabian Evening in a "Besen" in the Vineyards
Experience authentic regional culture during a traditional dinner at a local Besenwirtschaft, surrounded by the vineyards of the Heilbronn region. Enjoy Swabian specialities, local wines, and informal networking in a relaxed atmosphere.
Visit one of Germany’s most picturesque and internationally renowned university cities. Explore Heidelberg’s historic old town, famous castle, and vibrant academic heritage while enjoying the unique charm of this cultural landmark on the Neckar River.
Be part of HHN's first International Staff Week and help shape the future of international higher education.
Exchange. Learn. Grow. We look forward to welcoming you to Heilbronn!
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The Project GROWTH funded through the DAAD
GROWTH (Growing International Reach and Creating Opportunities to Work Together on Holistic Approaches to Internationalization) is a DAAD-funded project (2026–2028) and part of the HAW International Programme. The project strengthens international collaboration across higher education and industry. At its core is the idea of a Connected Workplace – a global network connecting universities, companies, students, and staff to exchange knowledge, develop innovative solutions, and create new opportunities for international engagement.
Building Global Partnerships
From January 2026 to December 2028, GROWTH brings together universities, industry partners, academic staff, professional services, and students to shape the future of international higher education. The project is launched in collaboration with strategic partners from Riga Technical University (RTU, Latvia), Academy of Economic Studies of Bucharest (ASE, Romania), German International University (GIU, Egypt), Vietnamese German University (VGU, Vietnam) and Mount Royal University (MRU, Canada). The project promotes sustainable international cooperation across teaching, student services, diversity, employability, digitalisation, and knowledge transfer. Building on these partnerships, the project is designed to continuously expand through HHN’s global network of more than 200 partner universities as well as regional and international industry collaborations.
Internationalisation Meets Digital Innovation
Located in one of Germany’s most dynamic AI and innovation regions, GROWTH explores how digital tools can enhance international collaboration and learning. Planned outcomes include international e-learning modules, a digital buddy programme, collaborative learning formats, and an international case-study platform connecting students with real-world challenges from industry.
Looking Ahead
The project will culminate in an International Concept Conference (2027) and an International Project Week (2028), bringing together staff, students, and partners from around the world to share ideas, develop solutions, and shape the future of international higher education.
Meet the Team
